§ 41. Mr. N. Nicolsonasked the Minister of Supply how much research has been done by his Department to discover a method of reducing the noise of jet engines while they are being tested in aircraft on the ground; and what are the results of that research.
§ Mr. MaudlingOn the scope and detail of the research programme I would refer my hon. Friend to the statements made in reply to questions by the hon. Members for Buckinghamshire, South (Mr. R. Bell), and Uxbridge (Mr. Beswick) on 28th June and 14th December, 1954, of which I am sending him copies. I am glad to say that the development of mufflers and pens for Hunter aircraft, which was undertaken as an experiment, has met with considerable success. Similar noise reducing equipment is being installed or developed by other companies with the encouragement of my Department.
§ Mr. NicolsonWill my right hon. Friend say that we have not yet perfected a device for reducing the noise of jet engines under test, and whether, when such a device is perfected, it will be obligatory for aircraft manufacturing companies to install it in factories close to built-up areas?
§ Mr. MaudlingWe have a definite and most important responsibility for ensuring that aircraft manufacturers do not make any more noise than the absolute minimum necessary in developing their aircraft.
Air Commodore HarveyIs my right hon. Friend aware that the noise will be considerably reduced by 1960?